Whether it’s a heated sports game, or maybe you’re in the driver’s seat, any unexpected impact to your chest, may cause difficulty breathing with a clouding of senses that begin to surface. A broken sternum can intrude into one’s life, bringing with it a host of physical, psychological, and financial challenges that will certainly require time, patience, and care to overcome. If your injury was due to someone else’s negligence, you should consider reaching out to a personal injury lawyer who can aptly understand your case and do what is necessary to help you recover in peace.
What is a Sternum Fracture?
Otherwise known as a broken sternum, a sternum fracture is a break or crack in the sternum (aka the breastbone)—the long, flat bone located in the center of the chest, connecting to the rib bones. Responsible for protecting vital internal organs such as the heart and lungs, in addition to the esophagus, it is also an integral part of the structure of the upper chest.
Sternum fractures are relatively rare injuries, accounting for less than 1% of all skeletal fractures. Perhaps this is why they often go misdiagnosed int he emergency room as a mere chest contusion. They can range in severity from minor, hairline fractures that are painful but not considered life-threatening, to severe, with compound fractures that can cause damage to internal organs and tissues.
Depending on the severity of the injury, symptoms of a sternum fracture typically include:
- Sharp, intense pain in the chest area that can exacerbate pain with movement, breathing, or coughing
- Bruising, swelling, and tenderness over the chest area;
- Difficulty breathing may reflect a more serious injury that should require immediate medical attention.
Common Causes for a Broken Sternum?
The most common cause of a sternum fracture is blunt trauma to the chest, often resulting from vehicular accidents. In fact, 3.7% of vehicle accidents result in a fractured sternum, particularly when the chest collides with the steering wheel or dashboard. This type of injury is also frequently seen in seatbelt wearers in high-impact crashes, where the force exerted by the seatbelt across the chest is enough to fracture the sternum.
Sports injuries are another significant source of sternum fractures, especially in contact sports like football, rugby, or martial arts, where direct blows to the chest are common. Falls from a significant height can also result in a broken sternum, as the impact of landing on the chest compresses the bone against the spinal column.
In rarer cases, sternum fractures can occur as a result of repetitive stress or overuse, particularly in athletes or workers engaging in activities that involve heavy lifting or intense upper-body exercise.
Osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more susceptible to fractures, can also contribute to the likelihood of sustaining a sternum fracture from a slip and fall or even coughing forcefully.
What is the Recovery Time Following a Broken Sternum?
The recovery time for a broken sternum may vary significantly depending on the severity of the fracture, the individual’s overall health, and the presence of any arising factors, such as extensive injuries to internal organs or tissues which may cause complications.
However, generally, the healing process for a standard sternum fracture can take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks
. During this time, patients are often advised to limit physical activity, especially any actions that strain the chest area, to allow the bone to heal properly.
In more severe cases, especially when the fracture is complex or involves displacement of bone segments, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign and stabilize the sternum. Recovery from surgery can extend the overall healing time and will likely include a more extensive rehabilitation process, including physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength to the chest muscles.
What Damages Can I Be Entitled to Following a Broken Sternum After Car Accident?
Those who have suffered broken sternums can attempt to pursue a personal injury claim in case of the involvement of an at-fault party. Depending on the severity of your injuries and if negligence can be proven, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, which can include both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic Damages: These include tangible losses such as:
- Medical expenses;
- Rehabilitation services;
- Lost wages
- And any future earning capacity if the injury results in long-term disability.
Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for the intangible impacts of your injury, such as:
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Loss of enjoyment of life;
- And loss of consortium.
What is the Average Settlement for a Broken Sternum?
These settlements can range between $75,000 and $200,000, however, these awarded damages depend on the jurisdiction and other determinants such as the severity of the injury, the amount of medical expenses, etc.
Contact Simmons & Fletcher, P.C. for Your Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered a sternal fracture or any other injury as a result of a car crash, it’s important to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation. At Simmons & Fletcher, P.C., our law firm exclusively handles personal injury law, and our attorneys are dedicated to helping our clients fight for justice.
With over 40 years of experience supporting and giving back to our Houston community as well as other towns and cities throughout Texas, let us advocate for you and help secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Contact Simmons & Fletcher, P.C. today to schedule your free consultation.
Author
